Cutting Pliers Online

Types of Cutting Pliers

1. Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Diagonal cutting pliers, also known as side cutters or wire cutters, are the most commonly used cutting pliers for trimming and cutting electrical wires, cable ties, and thin metal components. Their angled cutting edges allow close and flush cutting of wires and leads, making them a preferred choice in electrical wiring, electronics assembly, and general workshop maintenance tasks.

2. End Cutting Pliers

End cutting pliers feature cutting edges positioned at the front of the jaws, allowing flush cutting of nails, rivets, bolts, and wire ends directly from a surface. They are widely used in carpentry, construction, and metalworking applications where nails or fasteners need to be trimmed level with or close to the material surface.

3. Cable Cutting Pliers

Cable cutting pliers are heavy-duty cutting tools designed for cutting thick electrical cables, armoured cables, and multi-core wiring. They feature specially hardened cutting edges and a ratchet or compound mechanism in larger models to provide sufficient cutting force for heavy cables without excessive hand effort. These tools are widely used by electricians, cable installers, and panel builders.

4. Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters are large, long-handled cutting tools designed for cutting through bolts, chains, padlocks, wire mesh, and thick rods. They use a compound lever mechanism to generate extremely high cutting force at the jaws with minimal effort from the user. Bolt cutters are commonly used in construction, security, fencing, and demolition tasks where heavy metal components need to be cut quickly.

5. Combination Cutting Pliers

Combination cutting pliers incorporate both gripping and cutting functions within a single tool. They feature a gripping section near the pivot for holding round and flat workpieces, and a cutting edge further along the jaw for trimming wires and soft metal components. These versatile tools are widely used in general electrical work, plumbing, and maintenance tasks as an all-in-one hand tool solution.

Cutting Pliers vs Other Hand Tools

Cutting pliers are specifically designed for cutting and trimming tasks but are frequently used alongside other hand tools to complete a wider range of workshop and maintenance operations.

Cutting Pliers – Designed for cutting wires, cables, nails, bolts, and metal components with precision and controlled cutting force. Available in a range of designs to suit different materials and cutting requirements.

Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers – Used alongside cutting pliers for fastener removal and installation tasks during electrical and maintenance work. Suitable options are available in the Hand Tools category.

Wire Strippers – Used after cutting pliers to strip insulation from wire ends in preparation for termination and connection work. Available across the Hand Tools category.

Spanners and Wrenches – Used alongside cutting pliers for loosening and tightening fasteners and fittings during repair and installation tasks. Suitable options are available across the Tools Warehouse store.

Using cutting pliers alongside the appropriate hand tools helps improve efficiency, reduces the risk of component damage, and ensures safe and accurate completion of wiring, assembly, and maintenance tasks.

Applications – Electrical, Construction & Maintenance

Cutting pliers are widely used across various industries, workshops, and maintenance tasks.

1. Cutting and trimming electrical wires and cables during wiring installation and repair work

2. Trimming component leads and wire ends during electronics assembly and PCB work

3. Cutting cable ties and straps during panel building and cable management tasks

4. Removing nails, staples, and flush-cutting fasteners in carpentry and construction work

5. Cutting bolts, chains, and wire mesh in construction, fencing, and demolition tasks

6. Trimming plumbing pipes and fittings during installation and maintenance work

7. Cutting armoured cables and multi-core cables during electrical panel installation

8. General workshop and site maintenance tasks requiring controlled cutting of metal components

For a complete range of gripping, cutting, and fastening hand tools to use alongside cutting pliers, browse the Hand Tools category or visit the Tools Warehouse store.

Buying Guide

When selecting cutting pliers, the type of material being cut is the most important factor to consider. Diagonal cutting pliers are suitable for general wire and cable trimming tasks, while end cutting pliers are better suited for flush cutting of nails and fasteners from surfaces. For heavy cables and armoured wiring, cable cutting pliers with hardened cutting edges and a sufficient jaw capacity should be selected to ensure a clean cut without damaging the conductor. Bolt cutters should be chosen based on the diameter and hardness of the material being cut, with longer handles providing greater cutting force for harder or thicker materials.

Blade hardness and material quality are critical for long service life and consistent cutting performance. Cutting pliers manufactured from chrome vanadium steel or induction-hardened cutting edges maintain sharpness over extended use and resist edge chipping on harder materials. Ergonomic handle design with cushioned or non-slip grip material helps reduce hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks. For electrical work on live systems, insulated cutting pliers with handles rated to 1000V are strongly recommended for safe operation. Well-known brands such as Stanley, Taparia, and Knipex manufacture reliable cutting pliers suitable for professional and general use. Browse the full range at Cutting Pliers.

FAQs

What is the difference between diagonal cutting pliers and end cutting pliers?
Diagonal cutting pliers have cutting edges set at an angle to the jaw axis, making them suitable for trimming wires and leads close to a surface or component. End cutting pliers have cutting edges positioned at the very tip of the jaws, allowing flush cutting of nails, rivets, and wire ends directly from a flat surface. Each type is designed for a different cutting orientation and application.

Can cutting pliers be used on live electrical wires?
Standard cutting pliers should not be used on live electrical systems. Insulated cutting pliers with handles rated to 1000V are specifically designed for safe use by qualified electricians when working on live wiring, switchboards, and control panels. Always confirm the insulation rating of the tool before using it near live conductors.

What size bolt cutter do I need to cut a padlock or chain?
The required bolt cutter size depends on the diameter and hardness of the material being cut. For cutting standard padlocks and chains up to 8mm diameter, a 600mm bolt cutter is generally sufficient. For hardened chains or thicker bolts above 10mm diameter, a larger bolt cutter in the 750mm to 900mm range with hardened jaw inserts is recommended for effective cutting.

How should cutting pliers be maintained?
Cutting pliers should be cleaned after use to remove wire residue, grease, and debris from the cutting edges and pivot joint. A light application of oil on the pivot helps maintain smooth jaw action and prevents corrosion. The cutting edges should be inspected regularly for nicks, chipping, or misalignment and the tool should be stored in a dry location to prevent rust and handle damage. Cutting pliers should never be used on materials harder than their rated capacity as this can cause permanent jaw damage.